Mar.13, 2015

The Korean daily media headlines and humor

Friday, March 13, 2015

Your Excellency:

Here are The Korea Post notice, humor from a Korean-language economic daily from and a roundup of important headlines from all major Korean-language dailies, TV and other news media this morning:

Lee Kyung-sik

Publisher-Chairman

Korea Post Media

P.S.: 1. To see the desired site, press down the Control key and click the blue URL of the media.

2. If received by a person other than the intended recipient, please kindly convey the mail to His/Her Excellency.

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The quality and accuracy of the translations are guaranteed by The Korea Post.

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Today’s humor:

Humor from a generous former Asian ambassador

An old lady was standing at the railing of the cruise ship holding her hat tightly so that it would not blow away in the wind.     

A gentleman approached her and said, "Pardon me, madam, I'm sorry to appear forward, but did you know that your dress is blowing up in this high wind?"    

"Yes, I know," said the lady. "I need both my hands to hold onto this hat."     

"But madam, you must know that you are not wearing any panties and your privates are exposed!" said the gentleman in earnest. 

The woman looked down, then back up at the man and replied, "Sir, anything you see down there is 85 years old. I just bought this hat yesterday"

Marriage Is Like a Public Toilet

Those waiting outside are desperate to get in

And those inside are desperate to come out.

Why Were Hurricanes Usually Named Female Names

Because when they arrive, they're wet and wld, but

when they go, they take your house and car.

Hankuk Kyungje

Blissful 50 Years

The old couple is celebrating their golden wedding.

They raised as many as 12 children.

And now they are blessed to have 24 grand children.

One of the guests asked the old lady what was the secret for staying together all that time.

“Well,” she replied, “it was many years ago that we made a promise to each other - the one who first pack up and leave has to take all the kids.”

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Top headlines of major news media of Korea this morning:

KBS (http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/news/)

Key Interest Rate Cut to All-Time Low Amid Slow Recovery

Amid a wave of monetary easing in China, Japan and India, the Bank of Korea has decided to cut its standard interest rate to an unprecedented low of...

Finance Minister: Rate Cut to Help Economic Recovery

Foreign Institutions Predict 3.4% Growth for Korea

BOK Drops Key Interest Rate to 1.75%

Park: S. Korea-US Alliance Won't Be Shaken By Any Hindrance

S. Korean Nuclear Envoy: Seoul Ready for Nuclear Talks with North

NPAD Chief Hopes to Discuss Economy with President

Agriculture Ministry Sets Up Halal R&D, Certification Unit

Key Interest Rate Cut to All-Time Low Amid Slow Recovery

KOSPI Ends Lower on Heavy Foreign Selling

Seoul City Seeks Inter-Korean Projects

N. Korea Proposes Meeting to Discuss Gaeseong Park Land-Use Fee

Leading Japanese Politician Urges Resolution of Wartime Sex Slavery

Kyodo: Ban Hopes Japan Proposes Positive Vision

Dozen S. Koreans Injured in Turkish Balloon Crash

Police Seek to Prove Lippert Attacker Violated Security Law

KBS Opens Dokdo Video Kiosk at National Assembly

Korean Red Cross to Improve Sanitation in

Gov't Searching for Alternative to

Survey: K-pop Ranks Most Representative

S. Korea's Arirang-3A Satellite to be Launched on March 26

Gamtae Seaweed Extract Recognized for Sleep-Enhancing Effects

Korean Scientists Discovery Could Help Treat Hearing Impaired

FIFA to Pick Host of 2019 Women’s World Cup Next Week

Park In-bee Wins HSBC Women's Champions

Striker Son Scores 9th, 10th League Goals of Season

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Yonhap (http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr)

S. Korea's import prices fall in Feb.

South Korea's import prices extended their fall in February from the previous year on tumbling oil prices, central bank data showed Friday.

Abe never uses word 'apology' on sexual slavery issue: Japanese activist

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has never used the word "apology" on the issue of the country's sexual enslavement of women during World War II and is unlikely to do so in a statement marking the 70th anniversary of the war's end, a Japanese activist said Thursday.

Report claims Obama administration 'quietly working to open secret talks' with N. Korea

A U.S. newspaper blog has claimed that the administration of U.S. President Barack Obama is "quietly working to open secret talks" with North Korea to eventually normalize relations with the communist regime.

Arrest warrant sought for arms broker over alleged graft

Prosecutors sought an arrest warrant Thursday for the chief of a major local weapons brokerage firm over alleged corruption related to a state project to purchase an electronic warfare training system from Turkey.

Abe never uses word 'apology' on sexual slavery iss..

Report claims Obama administration 'quietly working to ope..

N. Korea spurns S. Korea's call for talks on Kaesong wages

No decision made on THAAD deployment in S. Korea: USFK

Foreigners planning cross-border trip not subject to gov't..

Infiniti seeks to reclaim fame in S. Korea with premium se..

S. Korea's import prices fall in Feb.

Following return from U.S., pitcher Yoon Suk-min it..

S. Korea finalizes 23-man roster for U-23 men's football t..

Returning footballer Park Chu-young not quite match-fit: c..

Veteran footballer Cha Du-ri likely to have one final matc..

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The Korea Times (http://www.koreatimes.co.kr)

Peer pressure forces BOK to cut key rate

The central bank unexpectedly cut its key interest rate to a record low of 1.75 percent, Thursday, joining other central banks in a worldwide “easing” policy. Analysts said there could be at least one more 25 basis point cut lat...

Has Abe inherited Hitler's genes?

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has arguably elevated herself to the level of a truly great world leader. The first East German-born head of a unified Germany has done a lot throughout her career. On the European front, she has ...

Iraq to look into HSBC case

A group of lawmakers from Iraq and the autonomous region of Kurdistan say they will investigate a possible bribery case involving a Kurdistan oil minister. The probe follows a series of articles by The Korea Times on alleged sha...

Hacker demands money for information on S. Korean nuclear reactors

A hacker who had posted inside information on South Korea's nuclear power plants made a fresh threat Thursday, demanding money in exchange for not handing over sensitive information to third countries.

Korea Times hosts forum for foreign investors 

The Korea Times is holding a forum for foreign investors today.

Seoul may go for both US trade pact, China's regional bank 

Korea appears to be caught up in a familiar dilemma; between the United States and China with difficult choices to make. 

Only three Korean restaurants make Asia's top 50  

Despite the hype over the globalization of “hansik” or Korean food, only three Korean restaurants ... 

Over 1,000 tons of pesticide-tainted bananas sold 

More than 1,000 tons of pesticide-contaminated bananas were sold to consumers last year due to poo...

'Mercedes prosecutor' not guilty 

The Supreme Court on Thursday upheld a lower court’s ruling that found a former female prosecutor not guilty on charges of receiving luxury items from a lawye...

Multicultural students to get scholarships 

The Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG) and Woori Multicultural Scholarship Foundation will offer scholarships to 320 students from multiracial families this ...

Carter and Kerry to visit Seoul 

U.S. Defense Secretary Ashton Carter and Secretary of State John Kerry will visit Korea in April, according to diplomatic sources Wednesday. 

Unification body leader denies NK assimilation bid 

Chung Jong-wook, a vice chairman of the Presidential Committee for Unification Preparation, has co...

Park to meet party leaders next week 

President Park Geun-hye will meet with leaders of the opposition parties next week, Cheong Wa Dae announced Thursday. 

Saemangeum aims to be global hub 

As you drive along the west coast of the Korean Peninsula, you will encounter a sea dike that is l... 

Free economic zone lures investors with deregulation drive 

The government is stepping up its deregulation drive to make the Incheon Free Economic Zone (IFEZ)...

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DongA Ilbo (http://english.donga.com)

U.S. defense and state secretaries likely to visit Seoul next month

New U.S. Defense Secretary Ashton Carter and State Secretary John Kerry will likely visit South Korea next month, sources said. Their possible visits are drawing attention to whether they will become an opportunity for... 

Cherry blossoms expected to hit peak bloom in Jeju late March

Starting with Seogwipo in Jeju Island on March 24, cherry blossoms are expected to bloom in the southern area of the Korean Peninsula between March 28 and April 4, in the middle area between April 3 and 12, and in the...

Ssangyong Motor to supply 1,000 vehicles to Morocco for taxis

Ssangyong Motor Co. will supply 1,000 units of its Korando Turismo multi-purpose vehicle to Morocco for use as taxis, the carmaker said on Thursday. The Moroccan government approved the Korando Turismo`s use as taxis...

Anti-corruption movement in China reaps results

Song Zuying, one of the China’s most-loved singers, appeared in blue military uniform at the Great Hall of the People on Wednesday to attend this year’s Chinese People`s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). It was...

English Premier League’s disgrace at UEFA Champions League

The English Premier League is on the verge of being eliminated from the Union of European Football Association (UEFA) Champions League. Chelsea, which had been in the lead of the English Premier League, tied Paris...

Do controversies over kamikaze exhibition stem from ignorance?

"What do you think about it?" The simple question was asked of visitors to an exhibition at the Seoul Museum of Art on Tuesday afternoon. "It is crazy to put something like this for public viewing in the heart of...

Controversies over N. Korean leader’s call for ‘highest-level’ talks 

Ki Sung-yueng, Son Heung-min as promising Korean soccer players 

New year’s wishes change over time 

France drops its super tax on millionaires 

Samsung’s mobile phone beats Apple to top ACSI 

Actor Lee Jung-jae reported to be in a relationship with Daesang heiress 

N. Korean leader shows willingness to hold inter-Korean summit 

U.S. military base in Yongsan bans civilian drones, model aircrafts

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Chosun Ilbo (http://english.chosun.com)

Korea to Send New Satellite into Space

The homegrown Arirang-3A multipurpose satellite will be sent into space in the small hours of March 26. It will be launched from the Yasny launch base in Russia, according to the Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning here Wednesday. >> Full Text

Spring Time Brings Increased Hair Loss

The transition from winter to spring is not the best time for those suffering from hair loss, as a dry spring breeze and increased levels of male hormones cause more hair to fall out. If more than 100 strands of

hair fall out a day, the scalp is itchy or hair seems to be thinning, one should be suspicious of alopecia. >> Full Text

Korean Kids Most Stressed in the World

Korean kids are the most stressed about their studies in the world, a study reveals. A whopping 50.3 percent of Korean kids are stressed about their studies, the highest proportion among 30 countries surveyed, according to an analysis by Kim Mi-sook of the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs. >> Full Text

Most Defectors Suffer from Depression

Flight Attendant Sues Korean Air Heiress Over Nut Rage

12 Koreans Hurt in Hot Air Balloon Accident in Turkey

Hyundai Considers Second U.S. Factory

New KTX Link to Open Next Month

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Hankyoreh Shinmoon (http://english.hani.co.kr)

Conservative economist calls for a “Miracle on the Daedong River”

Professor argues for an economic development method that would allow the North’s leaders to keep firm grip on power

A conservative economist is raising eyebrows with his calls to recognize the North Korean regime and transplant the “development dictatorship” ideas of Park Chung-hee there to achieve a “Miracle on the Daedong River.” The Daedong passes through Pyongyang, North Korea’s capital city, similar to how the Han passes through Seoul.

Controversy over THAAD is getting political

The controversy about deploying THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) on the Korean peninsula is spilling over into the political arena.

In the ruling Saenuri Party (NFP), members of the faction loyal to President Park Geun-hye have been working to stall efforts by party floor leader Yoo Seong-min and others to make the matter public. Most recently, the Blue House has taken direct action to quash the issue, showing that the ruling party, the government, and the Blue House are being embroiled in the debate.

Did attacker really try to set up a memorial altar for Kim Jong-il?

Claims are emerging that Kim Ki-jong, 55, currently detained after his attack on US Ambassador Mark Lippert, was not connected with an attempt to set up a memorial altar for late North Korean leader Kim Jong-il in 2011, contradicting earlier claims made by the police.

Auto plants being put to use for solar power production

Large factory sites for domestic automobile assembly and production are being utilized for solar power generation.

A shift in Seoul’s renewable energy policy from subsidies to renewable portfolio standards (RPS) has prompted power companies to make use of the large lots available at car plants.

North Korea and Russia designate 2015 a “year of goodwill”

North Korea and Russia are stressing the need for closer relations in 2015, which they are designating a “year of goodwill.”

There could therefore be a stronger chance that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un will be attending a May event in Russia to celebrate the anniversary of victory in World War II, as well as a possible visit to North Korea by Russian president Vladimir Putin.

US Ambassador says knife attack “only strengthened love and affection” for Korea

US ambassador to South Korean Mark Lippert was discharged from the hospital on Mar. 10 after treatment for a knife attack against him five days earlier. Lippert held a press conference in the afternoon in the seminar room of Yonsei University Severance Hospital in Seoul‘s Sinchon neighbor...

Solve comfort women issue, Angela Merkel says while in Japan

While visiting Japan on Mar. 10, German Chancellor Angela Merkel expressed her view that Japan needs to clearly resolve the issue of the comfort women, one of the key causes of conflict between Japan and South Korea.

Expert: Japan is revising history to paint itself as a victim

A US expert on East Asia warned that Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s historical revisionism, while originating with issues like the Nanjing (Nanking) Massacre and the drafting of “comfort women” as military sex slaves, is ultimately aimed at painting the US government during World War II as cri

Consumption declining, particularly among older households

Propensity to consume has been declining across all age groups over the past ten years, with average levels for households in their 50s and 60s showing the steepest drop, recent economic data show.

Post-retirement concerns, including a shortage of employment opportunities

Ruling party calls for “terror legislation” after attack on US ambassador

The ruling Saenuri Party (NFP) issued calls on Mar. 9 for swift passage of anti-terror legislation and the deployment of a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system on the Korean Peninsula.

The move comes in the wake of a knife attack against US ambassador Mark Lippert,

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JoongAng Ilbo (conservative): (http://koreajoongangdaily.joinsmsn.com/)

BOK slashes rate to low of 1.75%

Central bank governor insists deflation is not Korea’s worry - yet

The Bank of Korea joined other central banks around the world Thursday when it shaved 0.25 percentage point off the key interest rate…

U.S. admits to surveying for Thaad battery sites

The U.S. military admitted Thursday it has conducted site surveys in South Korea to deploy an advanced missile defense system, but no final decision was made.…

One of Seoul’s busiest roads will get narrower

Yeongjungno, the road in front of Yeongdeungpo Station, experiences some of the worst traffic jams in the capital.To improve the situation…

KCC slaps more fines on carriers

The telecom and broadcast industry watchdog slapped a multibillion won fine on the three largest mobile carriers for lowering new smartphone prices by offering illegal bargains…

CJ Chairman Lee leaving boards of two affiliates

Lee Jay-hyun, the chairman of CJ Group who was convicted of financial crimes, is expected to step down as a director at two affiliates…

Looking to future, LG splashes out on its biggest R&D budget

LG announced on Thursday it will earmark 6.3 trillion won ($5.6 billion) for research and development this year for all of its affiliates, its biggest R&D budget…

Big-name investors put money into Memebox

Memebox, a local e-commerce start-up specializing in beauty products, announced Thursday that it has received 33 billion won ($29.3 million)…

Women’s group plans march over the DMZ

Prominent international female activists including writer Gloria Steinem announced a plan to march across the demilitarized zone (DMZ) between North and South Korea in May…

Fourth seat now vacant in April by-elections

A ruling party lawmaker for Incheon has lost his seat following a conviction on charges that he violated the country’s election law, bringing the total number of vacancies…

President to meet with party leaders next week

President Park Geun-hye and leaders of the ruling and opposition parties are scheduled to sit down for a meeting on Tuesday to discuss a wide range of state affairs.…

Prosecutor acquitted in case that sparked graft bill

A prosecutor at the center of the corruption case that first triggered discussion of the anti-graft bill passed last week in parliament was acquitted on Thursday …

Lotte buys biggest auto leasing firm

Lotte Group snapped up Korea’s largest car leasing company for 1.02 trillion won ($901.7 million), the company said on Thursday.…

Samsung Securities predicts rate cut will help

Yoon Yong-am, chief executive officer of Samsung Securities, a leading Korean securities firm, approved of the unexpected cut in the interest rate by the central bank …

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Maeil Kyungje (neutral-oriented conservative, economic/business): (http://news.mk.co.kr/english/)

One in four S. Korean firms cannot conduct reshuffle without union’s cons..

A quarter of South Koran companies cannot even conduct a personnel reshuffle without the consent of labor unions, according to an analysis. 30 percent of all companies.. ...

Hanwha acquires Germany’s auto part maker

Hanwha Group has acquired German auto parts maker Heycoustics whose customers include brand-name automakers BMW and Audi. The acquisition reflects group chairman Kim.. ...

Gov’t to deal with household debt and possible capital flight after rate ..

There are growing concerns about the aftermath of the BOK’s rate cut, sending the basic rate down to the 1 percent range for the first time ever. Possible side effect.. ...

Seoul to install exclusive lanes for fire trucks

Seoul metropolitan government would create exclusive lanes for fire trucks on a large scale in alleys in a move aimed at shortening arrival time or golden time) at the.. ...

Park to meet with bipartisan leaders

President Park Geun-hye will meet the ruling Saenuri Party chairman Kim Moo-sung and his main opposition New Politics Alliance Democracy (NPAD) counterpart Moon Jae-in.. ...

Foreigners’ overseas direct purchase of S. Korean products forecast to gr..

The amount of overseas direct purchase by foreigners of South Korean products, which grew to the annual 500 billion won ($441 million) last year, would balloon to one .. ...

Samsung takes on Miele with washing machine

Samsung has started putting brakes on Miele, a German-based manufacturer of home appliances, taking the sole lead in Europe, the home of drum washing machine. Accordi.. ...

Artwork auction market becomes vibrant

84 percent of artworks being auctioned off at K-Auction were sold. The percentage is high so much so that it is reminiscent of 2007 when the artwork market thrived. Th.. ...

17 of 30 builders report better earnings

All eyes are on financial status of construction companies after Dongbu Eng. & Constr. filed for court receivership and then Keang Nam Enterprises, a South Korean midd.. ...

Negotiation picking up speed on Korea’s membership of AIIB

The negotiations between South Korea and China, and Korea and the US are gathering pace as to whether South Korea will join the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (A.. ...

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The Kyunghyang Shinmoon (http://english.khan.co.kr/)

The Pope Remembers the Sewol, While South Korea Forgets

Pope Francis who visited South Korea last August and comforted the family members of those killed in the sinking of the Sewol once again mentioned the Sewol tra···

Cheong Wa Dae Pulls the Brakes on the Ruling Party's Attempt to Raise the Issue of THAAD

On March 11, Cheong Wa Dae pulled the brakes on attempts to bring the topic of the U.S. Terminal High Altitude Air Defense (THAAD) system to the public forum sa···

North Korean Goods Exported as 'Made in Korea'?

A report claimed that North Korea decided to use the same label as South Korea, "Made in Korea," instead of the "Democratic People's Republic of Korea" in ···

Lippert Said in Korean, 'The Ground Hardens after the Rain'

U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Mark Lippert, who had been hospitalized for treatment after he was assaulted with a knife, was discharged from the hospital on Ma···

[In the Eyes of Kyunghyang] “I Am the Law”

On the day U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Mark Lippert was assaulted, President Park Geun-hye labeled the incident as “an attack on the ROK-US alliance.” The ···

Merkel in Japan “Settling the Past Is the Precondition for Reconciliation”

On March 9, German Chancellor Angela Merkel who visited Japan said that settling the past was the premise for reconciliation (between a country which started a ···

'Kimchi Gives Me More Strength' Ambassador Lippert Making a Quick Recovery

U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Mark Lippert continued with his love for Korea even after being hospitalized for a brutal attack just ahead of a breakfast lectur···

A Look at the Reality of Female Labor in South Korea on International Women's Day

Yesterday, various rallies and cultural events were held on the topic of gender equality to celebrate International Women's Day. International Women's Day was···

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